Karen R. Edsell, M44’s 1st Board Secretary, died from Metastatic Breast Cancer on July 11, 2024. Karen was more than a Board member; she was our CEO’s Cancer BFF and True North, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and valued wisdom. Mary insists that Karen’s mere presence—through the relatively simple act of just “being there”—transformed M44 from Mary’s tentative, early ideas into the committed organization we are today. M44 exists BECAUSE of Karen. As we move forward, we honor Karen – and the countless others cancer stole from us – by directly helping Stage 4 cancer patients in profoundly meaningful, impactful ways.

Rest in Power, Karen. Thank you for the countless ways in which you enriched our lives. We love and miss you.

We extend our deepest condolences to Karen's husband, Rob, and her son, Nicholas – and to her beloved family and friends.

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OBITUARY

Karen Rene Edsell, 52

On the afternoon of July 11, 2024, Karen Rene Edsell, with her family close by, went to her heavenly home after a very courageous, yet inspiring battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Karen was born on May 31, 1972, and spent the first eighteen years of her life in Troy, PA. She often said how fortunate she felt to have spent these years in Troy and always looked forward to returning home. As a typical child and teen, she was active in many organizations including scouts, church youth group, 4-H, marching band, and cheerleading just to mention a few. She enjoyed her years going through school making many friends, learning new things and meeting challenges. She appreciated how over the years many people from Troy sent her words of encouragement.

She graduated from Troy High School in 1990. She was an honor student and known for her accomplishments in cross country and track. She went onto to attend Susquehanna University graduating with honors, with a degree in Political Science and a certification in French. Next, she found herself attending Valparaiso School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor (JD) in the spring of 1997.

It was during this time that she decided to pursue a career in Pro Bono law. She worked for several years for Legal Services both in the Wilkes Barre and Bethlehem-Allentown Area. It was during this time she met her husband Rob with whom she shared 23 happy years of marriage.

In 2002, they joined the Peace Corps, fulfilling a lifelong dream for both of them. They served in both Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. There she was happy to make new friends, learn about new cultures and find a way to help the people in their villages.

Upon returning home she and Rob settled in the Baltimore area where she could continue her love of helping others. She worked for Habitat for Humanity before becoming a grant specialist for the County of Baltimore. Her last job was as a grant writer for Johns Hopkins University.

In 2007, her son Nicholas was born and a whole new adventure began in her life. She thrived at being a mother, participating in all his activities. In recent years, she could be seen cheering on the sideline at his cross country and track meets. The family loved to travel and there were yearly trips across the United States. Her last adventure was with family members to Oregon in late June so they could see the Olympic track and field trials.

Karen was remembered at a beautiful service at her Church of the Messiah in Baltimore where she was an active member. Karen will be remembered for her special smile, her dedication to helping others and giving freely of her time and energy to her family, friends, and co-workers.

There will be a celebration of Karen’s life on August 17, 2024 in Troy. Her son Nicholas is asking you to dust off your running shoes and meet us in front of the bleachers at Alparon Park at 1PM to participate in a mile run to honor his mother’s memory. For those of you that cannot meet at the park, there will be a gathering at the Troy Baptist Fellowship Hall beginning at 2PM to celebrate and share memories of Karen.

Karen is survived by her husband Rob, son Nicholas, parents Preston and Naomi (Ackelson) Edsell and siblings Becky, Colleen, Mark and their families, in-laws and extended family, as well as numerous friends and colleagues.

While she will be missed by all that knew and loved her, we know she would challenge each of you to wake each day to find a genuine smile to share with others, to live your life with acts of kindness, volunteer a helping hand when you can, and to always keep learning and remember, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

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If you would like to make a donation to MoreFor4 in Karen's honor, text the code "HONORKAREN" to 44-321.